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Wednesday, Feb 11, 2026
Outside the box.
France's Far-Right Falls Short in Parliamentary Elections
The far-right National Rally faced a significant setback in France's parliamentary election, coming in third behind a left-wing alliance and President Emmanuel Macron's centrist bloc. Marine Le Pen's party was hindered by alliances among centrist and leftist opponents, as well as internal issues with candidates. Despite increasing their seats in the National Assembly, the results were a disappointment, though Le Pen remains hopeful for the future, eyeing the 2027 presidential campaign.
PARIS: The far-right National Rally (RN) experienced a setback as the results of Sunday's parliamentary election showed the party falling to third place behind a left-wing alliance and President Emmanuel Macron's centrist bloc.
Marine Le Pen, who anticipated an outright majority for her party and a prime ministership for her protege Jordan Bardella, was met with disappointment when tactical alliances among centrist and leftist opponents prevented RN’s victory.
Despite previous electoral gains and a strong performance in European elections, the RN's efforts were undermined by both external alliances and internal issues, including candidates with revealed xenophobic views.
Though the RN managed to increase its seats in the National Assembly, the result was seen as a significant setback for the party.
Le Pen and Bardella remain hopeful for future success, with eyes set on the 2027 presidential campaign.
Marine Le Pen, who anticipated an outright majority for her party and a prime ministership for her protege Jordan Bardella, was met with disappointment when tactical alliances among centrist and leftist opponents prevented RN’s victory.
Despite previous electoral gains and a strong performance in European elections, the RN's efforts were undermined by both external alliances and internal issues, including candidates with revealed xenophobic views.
Though the RN managed to increase its seats in the National Assembly, the result was seen as a significant setback for the party.
Le Pen and Bardella remain hopeful for future success, with eyes set on the 2027 presidential campaign.
